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If you have a long history of heartburn symptoms, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you are at increased risk for a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which in turn places you at increased risk for a type of esophageal cancer called adenocarcinoma. The reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus damages the cells lining the esophagus, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells. Both Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer are relatively uncommon conditions, but if you are diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus it's important to stay on top of your health, as it greatly increases your risk for esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer and Barrett's Esophagus: How They're Related

When stomach acids continues to come in contact with the lining of the esophagus, those acids damage the cells of the lining to the point where the tissue is changed into what is known as Barrett's tissue. Once Barrett's esophagus has occurred and this abnormal tissue has formed, there is no way to make it revert to healthy tissue. That is why getting early treatment for GERD is so important.

One out of every 10 people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus. But by the time Barrett's esophagus has formed, the cells in the esophagus are already abnormal and considered precancerous, and more likely to turn into cancerous cells. For a small percentage of Americans, that's what happens. Barrett's esophagus is most common in men, Caucasians, and people over the age of 50. Anyone can get Barrett's esophagus, but it's most often found in people with those risk factors, as well as in anyone who experiences persistent heartburn or who has had GERD from an early age.

Limiting the Impact of Barrett's Esophagus on Your Health

You can't cure Barrett's esophagus, but you can do everything possible to monitor it and make sure it doesn't worsen in order to lessen the chance of it turning into esophageal cancer. By controlling the underlying GERD that likely caused the Barrett's esophagus, you can help reduce your risk of esophageal cancer. Here’s how:

Diet. Diet is one of the most important ways of controlling GERD and Barrett's esophagus, and of helping to prevent esophageal cancer. Stay away from foods that tend to give you reflux; often caffeine, chocolate, and tomato products can lead to reflux, but there may be others that are specific triggers for you. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and stick to a low-fat, low-calorie diet that, according to your needs, helps you lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight. Avoiding alcoholic beverages and smoking can also help.

Medication. There are several medications that can help control stomach acid and prevent further reflux damage to the esophagus. Your doctor will recommend an over-the-counter or prescription medication best suited for settling your individual acid reflux condition.

After-eating habits. What you do after eating can help control the acid that comes into contact with your esophagus. Keep stomach acids in their place by sitting upright for a few hours after you eat and by wearing loose clothing to relieve pressure on your stomach.

Barrett's Esophagus: Testing and Treatment

People who have sustained a lot of damage to their esophagus and have precancerous or cancerous cells may need surgery to repair the damaged tissue. Barrett's tissue can be destroyed by using a laser technique called photodynamic therapy, or PDT. A substance is injected that makes cancerous or precancerous cells more susceptible to light, then a laser is used to destroy those cells. There are also other types of minimally invasive treatments available at some specialty medical centers.

A simple laparoscopic surgery can also be done to offer more support to the esophageal sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach that prevents reflux. If there is already significant damage to the esophagus with the formation of precancerous cells called dysplasia, a surgical procedure can remove the esophagus and stretch the stomach up to replace it.

One of the most important parts of managing Barrett's esophagus is regular monitoring and screening for any progression towards esophageal cancer. Since the risk of esophageal cancer is increased with Barrett's esophagus, people with this condition are good candidates for regular screenings for esophageal cancer. People with Barrett's esophagus should have an endoscopy with biopsies to check for esophageal cancer at least once every one to three years, or as often as your doctor recommends.

Even if you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, it is important to continue to take measures to control acid reflux and live a healthy lifestyle. With good control of your reflux condition and regular monitoring to check for the development of esophageal cancer cells, you'll be doing everything you can to keep esophageal cancer from developing.

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